86th Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 86th Indiana Infantry (Union) was an infantry regiment organized at Lafayette, Indiana, and mustered into Federal service on September 4, 1862. Serving in the Western Theater, the regiment participated in several major campaigns and battles with the Army of the Ohio and later the Army of the Cumberland and the 4th Army Corps. The 86th Indiana was noted for its active service throughout the war, including significant engagements in Tennessee and Georgia.

The regiment was composed primarily of volunteers from Indiana and was involved in numerous expeditions, battles, and campaigns until its mustering out in June 1865.

Organization & Service

The 86th Indiana Infantry was organized at Lafayette, Indiana, and mustered in on September 4, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment moved to Covington, Indiana, in response to the threatened invasion by Confederate forces under Kirby Smith. On September 20, 1862, the regiment departed for Louisville, Kentucky, where it was assigned to the 14th Brigade, 5th Division, Army of the Ohio.

During the fall of 1862, the 86th Indiana participated in the pursuit of Confederate General Bragg’s army, reaching Nashville, Tennessee, on November 26. With the formation of the Army of the Cumberland, the regiment was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 21st Corps. It fought on the left wing at the Battle of Stones River, contributing to the defense and counterattack that helped secure a Union victory.

After Stones River, the regiment remained at Murfreesboro until the advance toward Chattanooga. It was actively engaged at the Battle of Chickamauga and, following that engagement, was reassigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 4th Corps. The 86th Indiana participated in the storming of Missionary Ridge during the Chattanooga Campaign, capturing prisoners and artillery.

The regiment spent the winter of 1863–1864 in East Tennessee, conducting expeditions and scouting operations. In April 1864, it rejoined its corps near Chattanooga and took part in the Atlanta Campaign, fighting at Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Adairsville, Kingston, Pickett’s Mill, Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Creek, the siege and battle of Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy’s Station.

Following the Atlanta Campaign, the regiment pursued Confederate forces toward Chattanooga and into Alabama. When the 4th Corps was assigned to General Thomas’s command, the 86th Indiana participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. The regiment joined the pursuit of Hood’s army to Huntsville, Alabama, where it remained until March 15, 1865. It then moved to East Tennessee, marching to New Market and Jonesboro, and subsequently to Nashville, arriving there on April 27. The regiment remained in camp at Nashville until mustered out on June 6, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defense of Kentucky (September 1862)
• Pursuit of Bragg (September–November 1862)
• Battle of Stones River (December 31, 1862 – January 2, 1863)
• Battle of Chickamauga (September 19–20, 1863)
• Chattanooga Campaign, including Missionary Ridge (November 1863)
• East Tennessee operations (Winter 1863–1864)
• Atlanta Campaign (May–September 1864): Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Adairsville, Kingston, Pickett’s Mill, Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, Battle of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy’s Station
• Pursuit of Hood (October–November 1864)
• Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864)
• Battle of Nashville (December 15–16, 1864)
• Pursuit to Huntsville, Alabama (December 1864 – March 1865)
• East Tennessee operations (March–April 1865)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 958. Gains by recruits totaled 41, for a total enrollment of 999. Loss by death was 241. There were 48 desertions, and 1 man unaccounted for. Detailed breakdowns between killed, wounded, and died of disease are not specified in the primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Orville S. Hamilton
• Colonel George F. Dick
• Lieutenant Colonel Dixon Fleming
• Lieutenant Colonel George F. Dick
• Lieutenant Colonel Jasper M. Dresser
• Lieutenant Colonel Jacob C. Dick
• Major Jasper M. Dresser
• Major Jacob C. Dick
• Major Philip Gemmer

Regimental Roster

The complete roster of the 86th Indiana Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the full roster, visit the 86th Indiana Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XVI, XX, XXIII, XXXVIII, XLV
• Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., “A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion”
• Fox, William F., “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War”
• “The Union Army,” Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 3